Barbados’ air and sea ports were abuzz this weekend as high-volume arrivals coincided with Visitor Appreciation Day activities hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) recorded its busiest day for commercial flights last Saturday, while the Bridgetown Port welcomed 10 000 passengers on Friday, December 19.
Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Inc., Hadley Bourne, said: “Similarly to November when we had the biggest day for air-to-sea, today was the biggest day for commercial flights with 22, what we would call, wide-body commercial aircraft, and approximately six cargo and as much as 13 regional flights. That would have seen transitioning through the airport and its facilities approximately 7 900 passengers from the tourist side and roughly 2 000 air-to-sea passengers.”
Noting that he was pleased with how operations were progressing so far for the 2025 winter season, Bourne explained that equipment brought on board pre-season was proving helpful to airport stakeholders and enhancing efficiency.
BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne, said her team “couldn’t be happier” seeing the thousands of passengers arriving from the island’s major source markets — the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.
Knowing that record arrivals were expected during Tourism Week celebrations, Alleyne said her team thought it would be the perfect time to spread some Christmas cheer and create a positive first impression of the island for visitors.
“As soon as people land and come into the arrival hall it is the first time that they get to see Barbados, and so, we are representing the island. We want them to have an extremely engaging experience,” she said.
Arriving passengers were warmly welcomed with complimentary cocktails and mocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Shane McClean. They also received local sweet treats and welcome gifts. In the departure lounge, travellers also received farewell gifts from performers in traditional attire, while a roving photographer captured memorable final moments as eager passengers posed with the costumed entertainers, bringing their Barbados experience to a fun close.
Visitors enjoyed festive selections performed by pianist Rhea Drakes in the food court and also had the opportunity to meet legendary cricketer, The Most Honourable Joel Garner, who signed cricket balls and posed for photographs.
Meanwhile, at the Bridgetown Port on Friday, over 10 000 cruise passengers from the Arvia, Grand Princess, and Costa Pacifica arrived. The cruise terminal buzzed with activity as passengers were treated to local delicacies and the sounds of iconic tuk band music. Visitors were invited to join in the festivities and capture memories at the branded photobooth.
Adding a special touch to the day, students from the University of the West Indies and the Barbados Community College volunteered as part of the greeting crew. These budding interpreters not only shared maps and local tips but also offered translations for passengers speaking German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
This weekend’s events brought Tourism Week—which ran from December 14th to 20th under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation—to a successful close. The Tourism Visitor Appreciation Day activities at the two ports highlighted the dynamic partnership between BTMI, educational institutions, and the local community.
(PR)
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